Page 25 of Even More Christmas Magic and Romance (Holiday Hiccups #3)

Twenty-Five

THERE’S BEEN A lot of “hovering” going on.

Ever since I brought the baby home, our pup, Ben, stays close to me and the baby.

If I’m sitting on the sofa, he stands on the cushion next to me, looking very curious and hovering over the baby.

All the family members do a good bit of hovering too.

Michael David must take after his father because he’s completely relaxed with all the attention he’s getting.

Stanley’s parents drove to town as soon as they heard they were grandparents. When they booked themselves into the same motel room, I took it as a good sign that they were getting along.

As for me, I’m in a state of wonderment. To hold our little boy or to watch Stanley holding him seems like a miracle I didn’t expect. So I do a lot of hovering too. I stand over Michael David’s crib and simply smile.

On New Year’s Eve, Mom and Adam had everyone over for a belated celebration.

The two of them surprised Lolly and me with a late Christmas present.

They outfitted one of their bedrooms with two baby bassinets and a changing station.

Their thoughtfulness will come in handy during family get-togethers and perhaps some baby sitting in the future.

Mom made lots of wonderful party dishes that included pizza rolls, deviled eggs, tiny rolls filled with spinach dip and cheesy scalloped potato bites.

Dad brought over a bottle of vintage champagne, and the Bickermans surprised Mom with a large bouquet of flowers.

The deep red roses and vibrant orange lilies added an elegant touch to the living room.

Lolly and Gerald looked as happy as Stanley and me as the family sat around us and admired our two babies.

We were all in a most festive mood. When the clock struck twelve, we toasted the New Year, and I experienced the magic of new life, the promise of what a new year would bring and the continued support of family.

I’m sure there will always be ups and downs in our little group, but the bottom line is there too.

None of us are alone when trouble shows up.

For me, Stanley’s unconditional love is a constant reminder that it’s okay to get upset, that unwanted feelings can turn into opportunities, like when I was so upset with my Dad.

My father and I might have had some rough times, but we also got to know each other in a way that made change possible.

So I’m grateful for even the tough times.

I’m also looking forward to next Christmas and Michael David’s birthday being on Christmas day. Stanley assures me that the combination of Christmas and our son’s birthday is going to make for the happiest holiday ever. And I know in my heart, that he’s right.

THE END

Thank you for taking the time to read HOLIDAY HICCUPS 3. If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and much appreciated. Thank you. — S. S. Bazinet